I have loved reading Ann Kennedy Smith's substack for more than a year now. It's wonderful to see some of the background, which I didn't realize! Thanks for the interview and for sharing.
Great to hear more about the writer of the Cambridge Ladies' Dining Society, one of my favourite Substacks. Thank you, Ann, for writing essays that educate and amuse.
Yes, I enjoy reading the Ladies' Dining Society and finding out the work, struggles and dedication of Cambridge ladies before us and Ann is a dedicated author to dig out and help us learn about day to day life and struggles writers and scholars have encountered. Thank you for your insights on Substack. What a journey!
Whoa, late to this 8Q party! Ann, I so enjoyed learning about your Substack experience through Eleanor’s thoughtful questions. I remember being bowled over by the stories on Plath. Your early support as a founding member of my little Substack was a great honor, and kept me going as I struggled with self-doubt. Congratulations on your well-earned success. Here’s to many more years.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Mary. What I love about Eleanor's series is looking back at various interviews (including with writers I hadn't previously known) and discovering new ways of thinking about Substack, and the practice of writing itself.
I agree, Ann. The discovery of new writers, and taking heart from the shared honesty of responses. Substack writers are a generous and supportive community.
Thank you so much, Ann! This means a lot. Have had some stuff taking me away from Substack, but hope to get back to writing (and reading and engaging more) soon!
Aww, thanks. I can carry a tune if I'm stood next to someone with a good voice, so I love singing in a choir. There's probably a writing metaphor in there somewhere. We need Anne Lamott to articulate it!
Yay! Really pleased to see Ann's thoughts and tips here, thanks for this, Eleanor and Ann. I always enjoy Ann's essays on Cambridge history and she's such a generous and engaged reader of others' writing, too.
Thanks so much for inviting me, Eleanor! Loved doing this.
I’m such a fan of what you do and how you do it. The pleasure’s all mine.
I have loved reading Ann Kennedy Smith's substack for more than a year now. It's wonderful to see some of the background, which I didn't realize! Thanks for the interview and for sharing.
Oh thank you Etta, that’s so kind.
You’re a model Substack writer/researcher. ❤️❤️❤️
Great to hear more about the writer of the Cambridge Ladies' Dining Society, one of my favourite Substacks. Thank you, Ann, for writing essays that educate and amuse.
Thanks so much Jeffrey, I enjoyed reading your own very thoughtful interview with Eleanor while preparing for this. Your writing always inspires me.
Yes, I enjoy reading the Ladies' Dining Society and finding out the work, struggles and dedication of Cambridge ladies before us and Ann is a dedicated author to dig out and help us learn about day to day life and struggles writers and scholars have encountered. Thank you for your insights on Substack. What a journey!
Ah, that is so kind of you.
Whoa, late to this 8Q party! Ann, I so enjoyed learning about your Substack experience through Eleanor’s thoughtful questions. I remember being bowled over by the stories on Plath. Your early support as a founding member of my little Substack was a great honor, and kept me going as I struggled with self-doubt. Congratulations on your well-earned success. Here’s to many more years.
Thanks so much for your kind words, Mary. What I love about Eleanor's series is looking back at various interviews (including with writers I hadn't previously known) and discovering new ways of thinking about Substack, and the practice of writing itself.
I agree, Ann. The discovery of new writers, and taking heart from the shared honesty of responses. Substack writers are a generous and supportive community.
Love this, Ann! And love that you quote Annie Lamott here. A perfect line.
Thank you Maria, I hope you're well (I am missing your posts!)
Thank you so much, Ann! This means a lot. Have had some stuff taking me away from Substack, but hope to get back to writing (and reading and engaging more) soon!
Hope so. But also, no rush. Writing - of such a high standard as yours - takes time.
Oh, thank you so much! Am blushing!
Great questions; wonderful answers. I am singing in my heart! Out of tune of course.
Thanks Leslie! I suspect you’re a very good singer, but the metaphor still stands (and Anne Lamott always puts it so well).
She really does.
Aww, thanks. I can carry a tune if I'm stood next to someone with a good voice, so I love singing in a choir. There's probably a writing metaphor in there somewhere. We need Anne Lamott to articulate it!
Absolutely agree. Anne L’s Bird by Bird has stayed in my head for years.
It’s part of my essential writing kit
Yes in mine too, although I confess that mainly what I recall is the anecdote that gave the book its title.
Great to read some more background on Ann Kennedy Smith whose Substack I have enjoyed for a while now.
Many thanks Gina, great to have your support!
I loved reading A Fortnight in September. Greengates and Journey’s End are wonderful reads too.
Such a treat! Love CLDS. 💛
Thank you Alisa!
The British just seem happy. What's goin on over there : )
Ha! I’m not sure if that’s true but what we do have going for us is extreme eccentricity. That aspect of us always lifts my spirits.
🙌
Great interview! I agree, it is indeed magical to be on board here. Thanks, Ann. Thanks, Eleanor. 💕
Yay! Really pleased to see Ann's thoughts and tips here, thanks for this, Eleanor and Ann. I always enjoy Ann's essays on Cambridge history and she's such a generous and engaged reader of others' writing, too.
Many thanks, Wendy!